SILJ vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SILJ (Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SILJ is a Silver fund tracking the Nasdaq Junior Silver Miners Index, while GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SILJ returned 7.72%/yr vs 10.40%/yr for GDXJ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SILJ charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SILJ achieves a -10.01% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -15.56% return. Over the past 10 years, SILJ has underperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 7.72%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively higher 10.40% annualized return.

SILJ

• 1D: -4.34%
• 1M: -13.63%
• YTD: -10.01%
• 6M: -13.51%
• 1Y: 75.44%
• 3Y*: 43.49%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

GDXJ

• 1D: -4.46%
• 1M: -13.92%
• YTD: -15.56%
• 6M: -19.24%
• 1Y: 47.17%
• 3Y*: 42.35%
• 5Y*: 17.01%
• 10Y*: 10.40%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SILJ Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF	-10.01%	183.89%	6.39%	-5.21%	-15.42%	-23.21%	33.00%	57.06%	-27.95%	-5.65%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-15.56%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SILJ and GDXJ is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 29, 2012	0.88

The correlation between SILJ and GDXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SILJ	GDXJ
Basic Materials	99.8%	99.5%
Financial Services	0.3%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	0.2%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SILJ vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SILJ

SILJ Risk / Return Rank: 39
SILJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SILJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SILJ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SILJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SILJ Martin Ratio Rank: 34

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 27
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 29
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 25

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SILJ	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	0.90	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.37	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.19	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	1.20	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.72	3.10	+1.62

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SILJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is higher than the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SILJ and GDXJ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SILJ drawdown since its inception was -79.04%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SILJ and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SILJ	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.04%	-88.66%	+9.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.16%	-39.47%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.16%	-39.47%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.81%	-48.79%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.06%	-57.77%	-12.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.21%	-38.49%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.38%	-60.40%	+19.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.04%	15.27%	+0.77%

Volatility

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) have volatilities of 20.88% and 20.59%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SILJ	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.88%	20.59%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	48.17%	44.56%	+3.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.62%	52.62%	+5.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	44.97%	41.76%	+3.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.52%	44.32%	+2.20%

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SILJ has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

SILJ vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

SILJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.23%, less than GDXJ's 2.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.76%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
SILJ Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF	2.23%	2.00%	7.26%	0.01%	0.05%	0.36%	1.23%	1.45%	1.66%	0.00%	0.52%	2.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SILJ and GDXJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SILJ and GDXJ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SILJ or GDXJ?

SILJ has higher volatility (20.88%) compared to GDXJ (20.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SILJ dropped -79.04% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, SILJ or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, GDXJ leads with 10.40% vs 7.72% for SILJ. On fees, GDXJ is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, GDXJ has been the lower-risk option at 20.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SILJ or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 10.40% return vs 7.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SILJ or GDXJ?

GDXJ is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for SILJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SILJ or GDXJ?

GDXJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.76%, compared with 2.23% for SILJ.

What is the main difference between SILJ and GDXJ?

SILJ is categorized as Silver, while GDXJ is Gold. SILJ tracks Nasdaq Junior Silver Miners Index, while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for SILJ and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SILJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 0.90), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.